Luwu, South Sulawesi – Amid the increasingly pressing challenges of climate change, the agricultural sector must adapt and transform. It must focus not only on production quantity, but also on ecosystem sustainability. To address these challenges, the FOLUR Project Indonesia organized training for farmers and extension workers on sustainable rice cultivation. 

As the result, on April 9, 2026, a plot sampling (ubinan) and rice harvest were conducted at the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) demonstration plot located in Kurrusumanga Village, Belopa Subdistrict, Luwu District. This activity serves as an important milestone in demonstrating that environmentally friendly agricultural practices are not only vital for ecosystem sustainability but also key to farmers’ prosperity – now and in the future.

The event, held amidst the lush green rice fields, was attended in person by the Acting Head of the Luwu District Agriculture Office (Plt. Kepala Dinas Pertanian). The involvement of farmers and extension workers from Belopa, Bajo, and Bajo Barat sub-districts further added a collaborative dimension to the event. More than just a harvest ceremony, the event was designed as a participatory learning platform where stakeholders could discuss and directly observe the effectiveness of sustainable farming practices.

Redefining Productivity

The data from the field shows impressive results. Through the implementation of sustainable farming standards, the demonstration plots (demplot) used as pilot projects have successfully recorded a significant increase in production. While the average productivity of rice fields previously stood at around 6 tons per hectare, the results of the latest yield tests indicate a potential of up to 7.7 tons per hectare. This achievement serves as strong evidence that protecting the environment does not mean reducing crop yields.

This success is driven by the implementation of sustainable practices, which include:

1. Certified seeds: Use of MR varieties, which are high-yielding varieties. These varieties have a high level of adaptability to various soil and climate conditions, resistance to pests, and the potential for high-yield harvests.

2. 2:1 Jajar Legowo Method: This planting technique has been proven to increase rice production while optimizing air circulation and sunlight penetration, which in turn facilitates crop maintenance.

3. No-Burn Land Preparation: Instead of burning straw, farmers are encouraged to return this organic waste to the field to improve soil structure and fertility.

4. Organic Inputs and Botanical Pesticides: Reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals by switching to organic fertilizers and plant protection products based on natural ingredients that are safer for the environment and farmers’ health.

Navigating Challenges in the Field

Although harvest yields have been impressive, the process in the field still faces various challenges. Farmers shared their experiences regarding the obstacles of delayed harvest times and labor shortages during the transplanting season. In addition, pest and disease threats remain challenges that require high vigilance.

However, these challenges have actually become a source of rich discussion between farmers and extension workers. They are exchanging insights and seeking the best solutions to address these challenges.

Hope for Nationwide Agricultural Transformation

Farmers participating in the training gained new insights and experiences, realizing that behavioral change is key. The tangible results in Luwu are hopefully encouraging farmers to adopt more effective farming technologies on a broader scale. With a potential yield of 7.7 tons per hectare, the notion that sustainable agriculture is “difficult and low-yielding” can be debunked.

The FOLUR Project Indonesia, supported by funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), strives to continue supporting farmers in implementing these best practices. The hope is that models like Luwu’s can be used as examples in promoting national food security. As stated by the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia, “Food security is the heart of national resilience. If food security is disrupted, the stability of the nation is also disrupted.”

Written by: Reza Altamaha

About the FOLUR Project

FOLUR Project Indonesia is part of the Global FOLUR Programme and is jointly run by UNDP and FAO, with key government counterparts from the Coordinating Ministry of Food Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Forestry, and the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas. Working alongside communities in five jurisdictional areas—Central Aceh (Aceh), Mandailing Natal (North Sumatra), Sanggau (West Kalimantan), Luwu (South Sulawesi), and Sorong (Southwest Papua).